Speed limit c in the multiverse

In summary, the speed of light is essentially a unit conversion within an individual universe, determined by the values of geometric and other moduli in that ground state. The fine structure constant is more fundamental than the speed of light, as it determines the size and lifetime of particles. Velocities in these units are dimensionless, with c = 1.
  • #1
Spinnor
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Do we know enough of the workings of string theory to say what factors give rise to a large or small value of the velocity of propagation of massless fields for a given multiverse?

Thanks!
 
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You can see a zillion threads here asking why the speed of light is what it is, but it is essentially a unit conversion. This question is tantamount to asking if a given multiverse has eleven inches to the foot.
 
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I guess the speed of light has a definition within an individual universe, with respect to whatever "rods and clocks" (as in special relativity) exist there. Bound systems like atoms will define a natural length scale, and e.g. decay processes will define a natural time scale. So if the question is, what determines those scales for a specific string vacuum, essentially it's the value of the geometric and other moduli in that ground state - size of the extra dimensions, volume of any branes, and so on. These geometric quantities are dynamical and have a lowest-energy configuration, they determine masses and couplings of strings, and masses and couplings in turn determine the size and lifetime of particles.
 
  • #4
mitchell porter said:
I guess the speed of light has a definition within an individual universe, with respect to whatever "rods and clocks" (as in special relativity) exist there.
The speed of light is derivative because it is has units. What's fundamental is the fine structure constant. If that's different then the speed of massless objects is different
 
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  • #5
Vanadium 50 said:
You can see a zillion threads here asking why the speed of light is what it is, but it is essentially a unit conversion.

Will search for those threads to try and understand why I asked a bad question.
 
  • #6
There is no such thing as a bad question...just bad answers...keep on asking...!
 
  • #7
phinds said:
The speed of light is derivative because it is has units.

Since Lorentz group's boosts transform spacelike vectors to timelike and vice versa, time and space axes should naturally use one unit, not two different units. Velocities in those units are dimensionless, and c = 1.
 

1. What is the concept of "Speed limit c" in the multiverse?

The concept of "Speed limit c" refers to the maximum speed at which any form of energy or matter can travel in the universe, as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. This speed is equivalent to the speed of light (c) in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

2. How does the speed limit c affect the multiverse?

The speed limit c affects the multiverse by setting a universal speed limit for all forms of energy and matter, including light. This means that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light, which has significant implications for space travel and communication across vast distances in the multiverse.

3. Is it possible to break the speed limit c in the multiverse?

According to our current understanding of physics, it is not possible to break the speed limit c in the multiverse. As an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases infinitely and it would require an infinite amount of energy to accelerate it further. Therefore, it is considered a fundamental law of the universe.

4. How does the speed limit c relate to the theory of relativity?

The speed limit c is a key component of Einstein's theory of relativity, which describes the relationship between space and time. The theory states that the speed of light is constant for all observers, regardless of their relative motion, and that nothing can travel faster than this speed. This forms the basis for the concept of the speed limit c in the multiverse.

5. Are there any exceptions to the speed limit c in the multiverse?

So far, there have been no exceptions found to the speed limit c in the multiverse. However, there are theories such as wormholes and the Alcubierre drive that suggest ways to potentially bypass this speed limit. These theories are still largely speculative and have not been proven to be possible.

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